Photo by (c) Adam Nurkiewicz, Adam Nurkiewicz/© Adam Nurkiewicz
Vanesa Antolín Serna’s life has been transformed through the power of sport. Born in Osorno, a small town in the Spanish province of Palencia, the 31-year-old Special Olympics athlete has faced her share of challenges, many stemming from a world that doesn’t always understand intellectual disabilities. But Vanesa’s story is not defined by hardship. Instead, it’s one of resilience and strength.
Finding Her Place Through Sport
From a young age, Vanesa felt that people often overlooked her or didn’t take the time to truly understand her. That began to change when she found Special Olympics Spain. Through this organization, she not only discovered a love of sport, but also a community that embraced her and helped her to shine.
Once she joined Special Olympics, everything changed. She found friendship, joy in training, and the excitement of competition. “It brings me so many good things, it makes me happy,” she said. Her journey began with swimming and basketball but soon progressed into winter sports.
Discovering a New Passion
Encouraged by friends, Vanesa took part in a week-long training camp where she tried cross-country skiing for the first time. What began as a fun new activity quickly became a deep passion, which led her to a remarkable achievement: representing Special Olympics Spain at the World Winter Games Turin 2025, an honor that fills her with pride. On Italian soil, she took bronze in the 1k free technique F07.
Photo by (c) Adam Nurkiewicz, Adam Nurkiewicz/© Adam Nurkiewicz
Earning Recognition
Sport has not only improved Vanesa’s confidence and well-being, it’s also changed how others see her. In her hometown, where she once felt invisible, people now stop her on the street to congratulate her and wish her luck. Vanesa’s accomplishments have even been featured in local media and major national media outlet Marca.
“I was so happy when people started stopping me and my mom, Tere, in the street or in stores to wish me luck,” she shared.
Her coach, Esther, described her as “a symbol of perseverance, determination, and passion for sport. Despite living in a rural area far from the resources of big cities, Vanesa has achieved dreams that once seemed out of reach.”
“Sport has transformed Vanesa’s life,” Esther added. “She’s more social, more confident in making decisions, and always ready to take on new challenges. She’s learned just how powerful it is to stay active and involved.”
“Vanesa’s story, and those of many of her teammates, shows the profound impact of sports programs like the ones Special Olympics provides. They don’t just promote physical activity; they create opportunities, build inclusion, and remind us that limits are often just illusions.”
Fueled by Effort and Dreams
Vanesa’s success is built on hard work. She trains year-round, dividing her time between swimming, basketball, and cross-country skiing, depending on the season. She looks up to role models like basketball star Pau Gasol, her sports idol, and her brother Carlos, whom she admires for his work ethic. Their example inspires her to keep pushing forward.
For Vanesa, sport is about more than medals, it’s about connections and experiences. Her dream is simple: “To live happily with my family in Palencia, enjoy sports, and travel and have fun with my teammates.”
That dream already became a reality. In Turin, surrounded by fellow athletes, Vanesa said: “I loved being there with my teammates. I’m very happy, very proud.”
Her journey reminds us all that sport doesn’t just change lives, it uplifts entire communities.
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